Pro-democracy group tells Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara over insecurity, political repression

The United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, citing worsening insecurity and a breakdown of democratic order in the state.

The demand was contained in a statement on Friday signed by Abdulrahman Danladi, president of the coalition.

Danladi described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives and uphold democratic principles.

“The situation in Zamfara has gone from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups operate freely, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to speak up are being silenced,” the statement read.

He was referring to the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, whom he said were punished for raising concerns about insecurity and illegal mining in their constituencies.

“What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness — it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were elected by the people and have a duty to speak out. Instead of listening to them, the state assembly, clearly acting on orders, has shut them down,” Danladi said.

He likened the political tension in Zamfara to the recent situation in Rivers state, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara governed with just four lawmakers after a split in the House of Assembly — a scenario that prompted calls for federal intervention.

“If Rivers with four lawmakers sparked talks of emergency rule, how is Zamfara with 10 suspended lawmakers and spiraling violence, not a national concern?” Danladi asked.

“The same standard must apply. Democracy is being murdered in Zamfara in broad daylight. If the federal government could consider intervening in Rivers, it must not turn a blind eye to the breakdown in Zamfara.”

“We are calling for a six-month state of emergency in Zamfara to allow security forces to take control, restore peace, and return the state to constitutional order.”

The group also demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and an investigation into what it called “executive interference” in the legislature.

“This is not the time for political correctness. It is the time for leadership. The people of Zamfara are under siege — both by bandits and by those who should be protecting them,” the statement added.

Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most troubled states, continues to face persistent attacks from armed groups, with thousands displaced and dozens killed in the past year alone.

“I Have Proof!” – Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows to Expose Akpabio Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

Abuja, Nigeria – The political battle between embattled Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a dramatic turn, as the suspended lawmaker has vowed to release damning evidence supporting her allegations of sexual harassment.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan stood by her explosive claims, insisting that she has concrete proof to back her allegations.

“At the right time and in the right place, I will present the evidence that I have,” she declared, sending shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape.

Political Vendetta or Truth Unveiled?

The senator’s latest revelation follows her controversial six-month suspension from the Senate, a decision she has repeatedly decried as a political witch-hunt orchestrated by Akpabio in retaliation for rejecting his alleged advances.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate President has been on a mission to destroy her political career, using his influence to frustrate her at every turn.

The battle between both lawmakers has sparked heated debate, with public outcry demanding an independent probe into her allegations. Many Nigerians see her suspension as an attempt to silence a strong female voice in a male-dominated political space.

INEC Rejects Recall Petition: A Small Victory for Akpoti-Uduaghan

In a separate twist, Akpoti-Uduaghan commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting a petition seeking her recall from the Senate. The embattled senator described the move as belated but necessary, suggesting that the recall attempt was part of a larger scheme to push her out of office permanently.

While Akpabio has yet to respond to her latest claims, political analysts warn that this confrontation could shake up Nigeria’s legislative structure, forcing a deeper conversation about abuse of power, gender-based harassment, and political victimization at the highest levels of government.

What’s Next?

With Akpoti-Uduaghan vowing to release explosive evidence, all eyes are now on what proof she possesses and how it could impact Akpabio’s political future.

If her allegations hold weight, the Senate President could face one of the biggest scandals in Nigeria’s political history—one that could trigger calls for his resignation or even legal action.

For now, Nigeria waits, as the storm brews in the Senate.